The following is a compilation of Q&A's submitted by enthusiasts and answered by Ed.

Part Sixty One Q&A 1501 - 1525

1501. We have a 2004 TE PT with 51k miles. We're experiencing a starting problem with our PT. I've checked the battery and it is ok, but when I depress the clutch to start the engine the starter is not engaging. Could there be a problem with the starter? Thanks.  Dillon, from Nebraska.

If the battery is fully charged and the starter doesn't turn over when the clutch is depressed it could be the starter, starter system component, or the clutch interlock switch. To test the switch set the parking brake, shift the transaxle into neutral, and fully depress the clutch pedal. Turn the ignition key to the start position. The starter should crank. If the starter does not crank, visually inspect the clutch pedal for obstructions (floor mat, etc.) and for proper installation of the master cylinder push rod/bushing on the pedal pin. Also make sure the clutch pedal lever contacts and contacts and fully closes the switch. If it still fails to start you may have a faulty clutch interlock switch. There's an additional electrical test that you can run to determine the actual condition of the switch, which is available through the Pit area on the site.

Follow up from owner  You were correct, it was the clutch interlock switch. Thank you for your help.

1502. I have a 2005 TE Convertible with 11.5k miles. I disconnected the battery cable to clean the post (+ side), and after it was reconnected, the windows won't work. Checked fuses (#9 in PDC under hood and #14 interior fuse box) and all are ok. Called the dealer in Texas, and he said to disconnect the battery for 15 to 20 minutes, and that should bleed out any reserve charge in the circuit, and then the windows should operate. Has anyone tried this before? Also, I can't reset the clock. Any help would be appreciated.  Brian, from Guatemala.

Always disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable first, then disconnect the positive cable. When reinstalling the battery cables, start with the positive cable first, than connect the negative cable. The method that the dealer suggested is normally used to disarm (bleed capacitors) the restraint system. You can try it, but if it doesn't work try resetting the IOD fuse by removing and reinstalling. Read through this section for more information on the IOD fuse. If that doesn't work and all the other fuses appear to be ok have it checked. There's a TSB for this inoperable window/top issue on some PT Convertibles. See your owner's manual for instructions on resetting the clock.

1503. We have a 2004 TE PT with 25k miles. We had the head replaced, a new PCM installed by the dealer and they reset the engine timing. I got the vehicle back from the dealer after they reset the timing, and they gave it to me with no check engine light on, but the speedometer was dead and the gas gauge was erratic. I ran the IC self test and all of the gauges, including the speedometer responded. After the test I took the vehicle for a drive and realized that the gas gauge had started to work. I put some gas in and it did respond correctly, but the speedometer is still dead. It's not working at all, even though the self test was positive. After the self test my check engine light will not go out and I show a P0501 fault.  Akin, from Texas.

Service manuals provide diagnostic information based upon the assumption that all of the components are installed correctly in the vehicle. Under normal circumstances a non functional gauge indicates a bad cluster, but we're not dealing with normal circumstances in this situation.

The cluster, PCM/TCM and output speed sensor all work together to calculate speed. The vehicle speed signal is taken from the output speed sensor. The PCM converts this signal into a pulse per mile signal and sends the vehicle speed message across the communication bus to the BCM. The BCM sends this signal to the instrument cluster to display vehicle speed to the driver. The vehicle speed signal pulse is roughly 8000 pulses per mile.

I suspect that the dealer overlooked something during the installation; have them recheck their work, especially the programming of the PCM.

1504. I have a 2003 TE PT with 14.6k miles. I'm wiring up a 4 wire trailer to pull my motorcycle and can't get the brake lights to work. I found the signals and the other lights but can't find how you get the brake lights to work. I called the place where I got the trailer and they just said bring it in and we will do it but that's costly. Thanks! - Gene, from Iowa.

I can identify the rear lighting wire colors for you, but you'll have to contact the retailer/manufacturer to determine how to tie it into their wire converter.

If needed, wiring schematics are available through the Pit area on the site.

1505. I have a 2003 GT (LO) PT. The ignition is sticky; sometimes the key will not turn at all. Sometimes, pushing very hard on the keys (inward) will allow them to turn, but other times it doesn't help, or you have to jiggle it, etc. My local mechanic removed and cleaned tumbler the best he could, which made a slight difference. I have another tumbler from a low mileage vehicle, but the dealer tells me I cannot re- program an original ignition tumbler. They said I must purchase a replacement from the parts dept and have it re-programmed for $300. Appreciate your help.  Ray, from Canada.

A number of owners have reported problems with the ignition switch and or key lock cylinder. Some owners with damaged ignition switches have been able to simply replace the switch, and use the existing lock cylinder when deemed in good condition. In these instances no further action was required. However, replacing the existing lock cylinder with a new one requires more work since each one is vehicle specific. The service manual is somewhat vague in this area, so I would suggest verifying this with your dealer, but in this instance the new lock cylinder would have to be CUT, not reprogrammed, to the existing ignition key in order for it to function correctly. Programming (SKIM and RKE module) would not be necessary, unless you purchased a replacement lock cylinder and had NEW blank keys cut to it. Assuming that the dealer plans to cut the cylinder to match the existing key, the fee mentioned sounds exorbitant. I would get some additional quotes and clarify exactly what they plan to do. Let us know how you make out.

1506. We have a 2003 LE PT with 75k miles. We've noticed that the A/C system doesn't seem to cool as well now (July) as it did earlier this year. Is there something we can check or do to improve cooling? Thank you for your help.  Ellis, from New York.

The A/C system is designed to remove heat and humidity from the air entering the passenger compartment. The A/C evaporator, located in the HVAC housing, is cooled to temperatures near the freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the fins in the evaporator, moisture in the air condenses to water, dehumidifying the air. Condensation on the evaporator fins reduces the A/C evaporators' ability to absorb heat. During periods of high heat and humidity, an A/C system will be less effective. With the HVAC mode control set to RECIRC, only air from the passenger compartment passes through the A/C evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehumidifies, A/C performance levels rise.

In addition, some models are equipped with an A/C system air filter. The filter is mounted under the hood in the outside-air intake (cowl, below the windshield) of the HVAC housing. The filter should be checked and replaced at least once every 15, 000 miles and checked if A/C-heater system performance seems lower than expected.

If these suggestions do not improve performance have the A/C system checked out by a shop that specializes in this work.

1507. I have a 2001 BE PT with 48k miles. My factory antenna was snapped off in a car wash. I bought a new whip and tried to replace the antenna. I managed to remove the chrome bezel, but it appears that the quick switch isn't an option. Do I have to replace the entire antenna assembly? I can't find a way to replace just the whip. If I pay the dealer to replace what is there, how can I make sure it doesn't happen again when I have the car washed? - Anne-Marie, from North Carolina.

You can remove the OE antenna mast by unscrewing it from the antenna body and order an OE replacement mast through a local DC dealer:

OE Antenna Mast  2001

If your PT's build date was before or on 7/24/00: P/N 4794 176AA.

If your PT's build date was after 7/24/00: P/N 4671 868AA.

Your choices are limited; you can either remove the antenna mast when you use a car wash or hand-wash the vehicle.

If you need to review the OE antenna guide, you'll find one in the Pit area, along with a guide for some aftermarket shorty antennas.

1508. I have a 2003 BE PT with 72k miles. While driving home, the speedometer stopped working. My first thought was a blown fuse but I don't see one labeled for the gauge. The mileage continues to be displayed. Any ideas as to what may have happened and what I need to check would be greatly appreciated.  Jason, from California.

The instrument cluster electronically drives the speedometer, odometer, fuel/temperature gauges, and tachometer. The gauges are not serviced individually, thereby requiring complete replacement of the cluster if one indicator or gauge becomes defective. If it were a fuse (IOD fuse 18, under the hood) the entire cluster would be affected.

You did not provide the results of the self test for the IC, which could help pinpoint the issue. To put the instrument cluster in self-diagnostic mode, press the trip reset button down and then turn the ignition to the ON position simultaneously, then release the button. The gauges will increment to selected stops and all indicators will light with the exception of liftgate ajar and fog lamp indicators. Watch the effected gauge for operation. The speedometer gauge should position at the following calibration points: 20mph, 55mph, 75mph and 120mph. If the IC responds to the self test, but the effected gauge does calibrate correctly have the dealer check the vehicle with their DRB scan tool for DTC's. If there are no DTC's present, the cluster will require replacement.

Follow up by owner  I ran the self diagnostic and it ran thru fine as well as did calibration sequence with speedometer. There were a couple codes shown on odometer at the beginning (FL0007, EE10 and BL01). I plugged in my OBD II scanner and there were no DTC codes stored in the computer. Today, when the car was driven the speedometer began working again. Is this a common issue?

Follow up by PTDIY -The DTC's you provided are actually revision codes for the PCM software. Instrument clusters occasionally fail, however intermittent conditions with the IC like yours happen much less frequently. They are also more difficult to resolve if they can not be duplicated by the technician. In many instances intermittent issues can be attributed to loose or faulty electrical conditions, poor grounds, etc.

Follow up by owner - The speedometer failed again today so I reran the calibration and it was fine, however I plugged in the scanner and it came up with P0501. Would this affect the A/C, it also failed today? Thank you.

The diagnostic test to rule out each potential cause require the use of a DRB III scan tool, lift to safely raise the drive wheels off the ground and volt/ohm meter. If all possibilities check out ok, the resolution is to replace the Powertrain Control Module. Probably best to leave this to the dealership to diagnose at this point. Diagnostic procedure is available to Pit Pass subscribers if required. Don't see a connection to the A/C unless it is related to an issue with the PCM.

Follow up from owner - I took it to the dealer and they replaced the speed sensor. Speedometer seems to works fine now and the stalling seems to have been resolved as well. A/C just needed a recharge.

1509. I have a 2001 TE PT (2.0L engine) with 68k miles. The alarm on my PT arms and disarms with no problems, but when it is set off only the exterior sidelights flash with no sounds. I think this is since I recently fitted a CD changer with the power cable being run along the passenger side behind the glove box. I wondered if some controls for the alarm are located there and maybe I've accidentally adjusted them. Is there a way of adjusting the sensitivity of the alarm? Each time I park my car on the road and a heavy vehicle passes it sets the alarm off. Thank you for your time.  James, from the U.K.

The domestic and export PT's have completely different vehicle theft systems. The export offers two systems. Some vehicles are equipped with a premium vehicle theft security system. The Premium Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is designed to protect against whole vehicle theft and the loss of its contents. This system monitors vehicle doors, hood, liftgate and ignition key cylinders for unauthorized operation, as well as monitoring any movement inside the cabin when the intrusion sensor is armed. Other exports are equipped with a standard vehicle theft security system. This system is designed to protect against whole vehicle theft. This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, and ignition key cylinders for unauthorized operation.

The VTTS system works in conjunction with the RKE system, which is located under the dash, above the glove box therefore there is related wiring in that area. Dependent upon the VTTS system, if the horn is not activated when the system is tripped it could be:

Horn Relay Control Circuit Open
Remote Keyless Entry Module

If your VTTS system utilizes the siren instead of the horn, and the siren fails to activate when the system is tripped it could be:

My guess is that something occurred during your CD changer installation, which affected the RKE module. You can attempt a fix by undoing whatever changes you made prior to the issue, however if that fails, further analysis by the dealer will be necessary to resolve the issue. There is no information which discusses the sensitivity of the system in our domestic manual.

1510. I have a 2005 LE PT with 8k miles. I have experienced shaking in the steering wheel and floorboard since I purchased the car. The dealer balanced the front/rear tires, which didn't help. Then they replaced the wheels and tires, and changed the left front axle and it still hasn't helped, it still shakes from 45 to 65 mph. The factory said live with it.  Gene, from Kentucky.

If it's a minor vibration and the dealer has ruled out all of the obvious possibilities without resolving the issue you will have to decide if you want to live with it or continue to pursue a resolution. If you decide to pursue, it's time for a second opinion and some fresh ideas. Visit another dealer and or pro shop that specialize in this work. If you haven't checked Radial Force Variation begin there.

RFV is the amount of change in stiffness of the sidewall and footprint when a load is placed against a tire. Subtle differences in the position of the cords and belts in a tire's construction can create stiff spots that make the tire roll unevenly. The stiff spots act like runout to cause vibrations at various speeds. Vibrations caused by RFV tend to appear at certain speeds, and then disappear as the speed changes or increases, unlike vibrations caused by imbalance that usually get worse as the speed increases.

1511. I just bought a 2006 PT. I tried to open the back hatch door with the key, and the alarm went off, and I couldn't disarm it! How do you stop the alarm when it's been activated?  Forum poster, from the USA.

To disarm an activated alarm unlock a front door/liftgate with either your key or FOB. Starting the vehicle with a valid sentry key will also disarm the vehicle. You may want to review the owners' manual before you take the vehicle out for a spin again.

1512. We purchased a pre-owned 2003 PT with 38k miles. I read that some PT's have a lumbar support feature built into the seats, which would be helpful for my husbands back condition. How can I determine if our PT has this feature, we didn't receive an owners' manual with the purchase. Thank you.  Stella & Lloyd, from Illinois.

A local DC dealer can run the VIN for you and provide a printout of all the installed features/options on the vehicle, or you can check the driver seat for the option. The only visible evidence of this option is the separate power lumbar control lever located on the inboard seat cushion side shield.

1513. We have a 2001 PT. Recently the air bag light came on and stays on, now we notice that the horn will not work. The horn does sound when the car is locked with the remote, but will not work when you press on the center of the steering wheel. Are these likely related? Is there a likely cause for this?  Forum post, from the USA.

You can check (horn) fuse 23 in the PDC under the hood, but the more likely cause is a defective horn switch which is mounted inside the cover of the Driver Airbag Module. That would also help explain the air bag light. The driver airbag trim cover and horn switch are available for service replacement. Keep in mind that if the airbag indicator lamp comes on at any time other than during the bulb test, it indicates a problem in the airbag system, which may cause the airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required. See your local dealer for repair as soon as possible.

1514. I have a 2002 DC PT with 105k miles. The engine light is on, but not flashing. The self test indicates a P0700 fault code. Now the transmission is not working correctly. Where is the TCM located?  Hosie, from Mississippi.

The PT (2.0/2.4L) is equipped with the Powertrain Control Module and Transmission Control Module combined in a single control module. This module is the Next Generation Controller (NGC) for DC and is referred to as the PCM.

P0700 - Check Transmission DTC's. This SBEC III or JTEC DTC indicates that the EATX has an active fault and has requested illuminated the MIL via a BUS message. The specific fault must be acquired from the EATX. The dealer will use a DRB scan tool to check fault codes and identify the issue.

1515. We have a 2003 TE PT with 97k miles. The engine light (MIL) came on and the vehicle slowed downed, and would not allow me to go any faster. I drove it to the closest dealer and they said it's a limp feature? They checked for problems and discovered a P0720 fault code. Thank you for this excellent help service that you provide for PT owners.  Ellen, from South Dakota.

Limp-in mode is a safety feature which limits transaxle operation when certain conditions occur which might cause further problems under normal driving conditions. In technical terms, the PCM continuously checks for electrical problems, mechanical problems, and some hydraulic problems. When a problem is sensed, the PCM stores a diagnostic trouble code. Some of these codes cause the transaxle to go into limp-in or default mode. While in this mode, electrical power is taken away from the transaxle via the PCM, deenergizing the transmission control relay, and taking power from the solenoid pack. When this happens, the only transaxle mechanical functions are: park and neutral, reverse and second gear. No upshifts or downshifts are possible. Although vehicle performance is seriously degraded while in this mode, it allows the owner to drive the vehicle in for service.

1516. I recently purchased a pre-owned 2001 LE PT with 44k miles. I have noticed that when the PT is at operating temperature you can hear the coolant bubbling into the coolant jug after the car is shut off. I can also smell the coolant sometimes, although there are no visible leaks. I took it to the dealer, who conducted a pressure test, and could not find any leaks. The service advisor said that the coolant bubbling sound was normal. I find that hard to believe. My girlfriend test drove a 2001 pt cruiser for a weekend a couple months ago and there was never any coolant bubbling noise. Has anyone else had this trouble? Is their any way to correct the problem?  Bill, from Indiana.

Level changes are to be expected as coolant volume fluctuates with engine temperature. If the level in the bottle was between the FULL HOT and ADD marks at normal engine operating temperature, the level should return to within that range after operation at elevated temperatures. This is normal however I would not personally describe the sound as bubbling, nor is it normally audibly noticeable.

If it is overly loud what you may be experiencing is air or aeration in the system, which can occur when the system is low on coolant, or there's a leak. If they conducted a pressure test and checked for leaks and everything was ok it would be logical to assume that they also checked for adequate coolant. You may want to verify this on your own. The coolant recovery/reserve system provides a quick visual method for determining the coolant level without removing the pressure cap. Simply observe, with the engine idling and warmed up to normal operating temperature that the level of the coolant in the recovery/reserve bottle is between the FULL HOT and ADD marks. If the coolant level is OK, and engine operation and temperatures are normal, you are probably fine. Or you could obtain a second opinion at another dealership or shop. The odor may be coolant which has been spilled or overflowed onto the engine and is most noticeable when the engine is hot. It takes very little to create a noticable odor.

1517. I have a 2004 LE PT with 44k miles. I'm having some trouble with the horn, and the dealer said it was probably the relay. Can you tell me where it is located?  Phil, from Mississippi.

The horn relay is located in the PDC under the hood. The service manual indicates that you'll need a special tool (C-4817) to remove the relay. Grip the relay by the sides and pull upward with an even effort to remove. With a little ingenuity you will probably be able to remove the relay without the special tool.

1518. I have a 2004 GT (HO) PT with 16k miles. I traded in my 2002 TE PT for a GT turbo and have been very happy with it. A friend with a 2001 LE PT indicated that the halfshafts are different on the non-aspirated and aspirated GT models. I thought they were identical, who is correct? - Wagner, from Rhode Island.

Halfshaft assemblies are designed to transmit power from the transaxle to the front wheels, while allowing for powertrain and suspension flex. The 2.4L non-aspirated PT equipped with either an automatic or manual transmission use an unequal length halfshaft system. The right halfshaft is longer than the left due to transaxle packaging and powertrain design. The 2.4L Turbo utilizes an equal length halfshaft system.

1519. We have a 2004 Turbo (LO) PT with 20k miles. I'd like to know the location of the front air bag module and sensor? Are they separate units in separate locations, or are they one and the same and housed under the center console? What is involved in replacing the module?  Eric, from Colorado.

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is also sometimes referred to as the Airbag Control Module. The ORC is mounted on the tunnel floor pan, between the transmission shifter and parking brake. The ORC contains a microprocessor, the impact sensing device, and energy storage capacitors.

You'll find a system guide for restraint system in the Pit area. In this instance this should be a warranty repair for you. We do not recommend DIY restraints system repairs, where the competency of the installers work is tested during the most critical time  during an accident.

1520. We recently purchased a pre-owned 2005 TE PT with 27k miles through a dealer. The rear hatch will only open with the key. It feels like something is loose under the emblem (feels like cardboard). It does have remote keyless entry. I took it to a dealer, and he told me that all 2005 models opened only with a key. I find this hard to believe. I would appreciate any information you have. Thank you.  Beverly, from Texas.

The OE 2005 service manual states: The power lock system allows all of the doors and the liftgate to be locked or unlocked electrically by operating a switch on either front door trim panel. The power lock system for this vehicle can also be operated remotely using the available Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters, if equipped. As the vehicle's second owner you should still have a valid basic 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. I would find another dealer and request servicing.

1521. I have a 2001 LE PT with 69k miles. My fog lights were not working so I checked for a bad fuse. It was bad and I changed it. When I went to start the car it would no turn over. We have checked everything and found nothing. The battery is good. A man at the parts store told me that somehow I must have activated part of the antitheft device that cuts off the power to run the engine. How can I reset or override this system?  Robert, from Indiana.

I've never heard of an instance where an owner affected the VTTS system by changing a fuse, unless you inadvertently shorted something out. I would be surprised if they were correct. You can read about the VTTS system here.

Keep in mind that even with an invalid sentry key, the vehicle will start and run for a few seconds before it stalls. If that describes what happening that may be the issue, however if by not turning over you mean that when you turn the ignition key absolutely nothing occurs then the problem probably lies elsewhere. Regardless, you can't disable or reset the VTTS, only a DC technician with a DRB scan tool can perform this service.

Assuming that you have checked the remaining fuses, I would check and reset (remove, check and reinstall) the IOD fuse in the PDC under the hood. It controls a number of circuits within the vehicle which may have been affected during your initial fuse repair. Review this information before you begin any work with the IOD fuse.

1522. We have a 2003 TE PT with 76k miles. I have noticed that there have been several questions in the Tech Library related to the power steering pressure switch. Can you tell me what the purpose of the switch is? - Bill, from Utah.

The power steering pressure switch is used on some PT models to improve the vehicle's idle quality. The pressure switch functions by signaling the PCM that an increase in pressure of the power steering system is putting additional load on the engine. When the PCM receives the signal from the switch it directs the engine to increase its idle speed. This increase in engine idle speed compensates for the additional load, thus maintaining the required engine idle speed and idle quality.

1523. I have a 2002 BE PT with 36k miles. If I install a Screamin' Demon coil pack, and Live wires, what plugs would you recommend and what gap? Would these ignition mod's require any engine settings to be changed because of the change in resistance of the new larger capacity plug wires? I am seeking more horsepower/torque and gas mileage. Thanks for your help.  Dave, from Arizona.

As you know we don't make aftermarket product recommendations, but my personal opinion is that I believe it is a waste of money. You're talking about spending approximately $200 (Demon coil and performance ignition wire upgrade) for an additional 3hp at 5000 rpm according to reported Dyno testing. That's a 2% increase in HP over the OE 150hp engine, which will go unnoticed at 5000 rmp when the engine has already begun to make power (engine starts to make power above 4000 rpm).

You write I am seeking more horsepower/torque and gas mileage. You can't achieve both, more horsepower/torque, and improved MPG. You must decide if you want more horsepower/torque OR improved MPG.

There aren't many add on aftermarket products that will provide you with the substantial hp/torque you want versus dollars spent. The PT's engine puts out more than 1hp per cubic inch displacement, which is efficient. If you want substantial HP at a reasonable cost consider having a chip installed. This would provide you with more HP for each dollar spent than the coil.

If you're really serious about adding HP you should consider trading up to a PT turbo, but do not add a turbo or supercharger to your present non aspirated PT. There are too many headaches, unless you're a real motorhead and enjoy spending alot of time under the hood; On your non aspirated PT it would be a costly conversion, with an engine that has not been designed for these products, and a poor investment on a 4 year old vehicle.

If you ultimately decide to install the Screamin' Demon Coil follow the manufactures recommendation for plugs and gap setting. Some sites indicate that a stock plug is fine, and the gap can be widened to .060" due to the energy of the coil however we haven't verified that information. That's certainly much wider than the plug manufacturer or we recommend using the OE coil. It is not necessary to change any engine setting.

1524. We have a 2001 LE PT with 62k miles. Recently we've experienced an intermittent electric issue which the dealer finally pinpointed as a damaged PDC. They want to replace it; is this something we can DIY?  Frank & Becky, from Ohio.

The PDC unit cannot be repaired and is only serviced as a unit with the engine compartment wire harness. If the PDC is inoperative or damaged, the engine compartment wire harness assembly must be replaced. If you're skilled in this area, yes, if not have the dealer handle it.

1525. I have a 2002 LE PT with 77k miles. I'd like to know where the wheel speed sensors are mounted on the wheels.  Louis, from Kentucky.

One wheel speed sensor is located at each wheel. The front wheel sensor is attached to a boss in the steering knuckle. The rear speed sensor is mounted in the caliper adapter plate.

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